Sheriff: ‘Alert Resident' Helps Nab Alleged Burglar

A 27-year-old Southeast man is facing a felony in connection with a burglary that occurred in the neighborhood where he lives, officials say.

Members of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office arrested Matthew J. Flanagan, of Drovers Lane, on a second-degree burglary charge. Neighborhood interviews and physical evidence factored into the arrest, according to officials.

On June 18, a resident of Drovers Lane reported that her house had been entered and items taken.

“A uniformed deputy along with investigators from the Sheriff’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation responded to conduct the investigation,” officials said of the incident. “As a result of interviewing the victim and neighbors, they learned of a suspicious male seen in the neighborhood at about the time of the burglary. Residents were then alerted to the burglary by a community organization’s social media.”

The next day, at about 1 p.m., "an alert resident" spotted someone walking through the backyards of several homes, the agency said in a recent statement. He matched the description of a suspicious person seen in the neighborhood when the burglary occurred.  

The Sheriff’s Department was notified of the individual, who was carrying an extension ladder at one point.

“Uniformed deputies and investigators responded to the area in search of the individual,” authorities said in a statement. “Canine units from the New York State Police were summoned to assist in the search. During the search, Deputy David Rampolla and Investigator Thomas Corless saw a car being driven away from the development. The officers stopped the car containing a driver and passenger.”

The passenger, Flanagan, matched the description of the man sought by police, officials say. He and the driver were taken to the Sheriff’s Office while authorities conducted a door-to-door canvass of residences in the area.

Flanagan and the driver were interviewed by police. The former was arrested, while the latter, who "was apparently not involved in criminal activity," was released.

After an arraignment before Carmel Town Justice Thomas Jacobellis, on behalf of Southeast Justice Court, Flanagan was sent to the Putnam County Correctional Facility on $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond bail. He’s due in court July 7.

"Our public is indeed the eyes and ears of law enforcement," Sheriff Donald B. Smith said. "This is a great example of neighbors watching out for others. Their vigilance in obtaining a description of the suspect and quickly notifying the Sheriff’s Office, was vital to the successful apprehension of the individual believed to be responsible for the burglary."

Editor's note: The Putnam County Sheriff's Office provided this information. It does not indicate a conviction.

This story was initially posted at 8:55 a.m. June 26.